Software Inspection Assistance for NDT Accuracy and Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) requires extensive human expertise and time for manual evaluation of inspection measurements, which is costly and reduces inspection speed, even when automated devices are used.
Innovation Solution
An inspection assistance system that includes a classifier trained with inspection instructions and data to provide software-based recommendations for NDT evaluation, using a knowledge base to correlate features with inspection recommendations and facilitate inspector input for generating reports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual evaluation by human inspectors is used, then inspection accuracy can be maintained through expertise, but inspection speed and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated evaluation system that acts as an intermediary between the NDT measurements and the final inspection decision. This system includes automated feature identification algorithms and decision support tools that process measurement data and provide evaluation recommendations to inspectors, thereby maintaining accuracy while increasing inspection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical evaluation process with an automated computer-based system. The automated system performs feature identification, measurement analysis, and generates evaluation recommendations, substituting the inspector's manual analysis with algorithmic processing that is both accurate and rapid.
2Measurement precision
If extensive training is provided to inspectors, then inspection expertise and accuracy improve, but training time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a decision support system that provides automated evaluation recommendations and guidance to inspectors during the inspection process. This self-service approach allows inspectors to access expert-level analysis and decision criteria on-demand, reducing the need for extensive prior training while maintaining high inspection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis of NDT measurements and prepares evaluation recommendations before the inspector makes the final decision. This preliminary action includes automatic feature identification, defect characterization, and generation of inspection conclusions, allowing inspectors to make informed decisions with minimal training.
3Productivity
If automated NDT devices are used, then inspection speed improves, but the need for manual evaluation still reduces overall productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the automated NDT measurement acquisition with automated evaluation and decision support into an integrated system. The automated device not only collects data but also automatically processes the measurements, identifies features, and generates evaluation recommendations, eliminating the separate manual evaluation step and maximizing inspection productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the time and cost of inspector training by supplementing expertise, enabling quicker inspection decisions and improving feature identification accuracy through data-driven recommendations.
Implementation Method 1
In ultrasonic testing, an ultrasonic probe can generate one or more ultrasonic waves and these waves can be directed towards a target in an initial pulse. As the ultrasonic waves contact and penetrate the target, they can reflect from features such as outer surfaces and interior defects
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, an inspection assistance system is provided and includes a memory and a processor. The memory can be configured to maintain information regarding inspection data, target data, and knowledge base information. The inspection data can represent at least one measured feature of the target measured by a non-destructive testing device. The target data can include at least one of a target identifier and a target condition. The knowledge base information can correlate respective features of the target with a corresponding inspection evaluation recommendation. The processor can be in communication with the memory and it can be configured to receive the inspection data, the target data, and the knowledge base information from the memory. The processor can be further configured to identify, using at least a classifier and the inspection data, the at least one measured feature of the target. The processor can be additionally configured to determine, based at least upon the identified feature, the target data, and the knowledge base information, at least one inspection evaluation recommendation for the identified feature. The processor can be additionally configured to generate at least one graphical interface including the at least one determined inspection evaluation recommendation and at least one information selected from the knowledge base information, and a query prompting a user to make a selection from the at least one determined inspection evaluation recommendation. The processor can be additionally configured to output a report including the selected inspection evaluation recommendation.